A CONVERSATION with MVR

by Holyanna A. Acosta

Leadership implies values. A leader must have values that are life-giving to society. It is the only kind of leadership we need. This then also implies values that are embedded in respect for others. So often, we think of people skills or caring about people as being “warm and fussy.” I think a leader can be of varying “warmth and fussiness,” but a leader has to respect others. You can’t lead without it. Otherwise, we are back to manipulation. Respect means also that one can deal with diversity – a critical need for a leader in today’s world – probably always has been, although diversity may have been more subtle in the homogenous societies of the past.

Holyanna Acosta interviewing PB Mario V. Racela

Mario Vergara Racela is the fifth child of the late Antonio Orsela Racela, Sr. and Clemencia Vergara Racela. His father was a former mayor of our town, and his mother was a Barangay Captain back in the late 70’s until the early 80’s. It is not surprising for the young Racela to become a leader for politics runs in his blood.

Princess Marion and Isaiah Francisco are the fruits of his love with his better half, Cecillia Bambao-Racela from Bauang, la Union.

Before he entered the world of politics, his passions were music and sports. He was then the director of the famed Harana, Atbp. and the coach of the ultimate champion Poblacion 500 basketball team of the 80’s. He is fond of organizing fiesta activities that made San Esteban unique in features.

He was a writer when he was in high school under the sports column of their school organ. He took up AB Journalism at the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila. He continues writing in the San Esteban website (sanesteban.com.ph) under the Newsbits column, and one of the advisers as well.

The Punong Barangay loves to cook. We cannot say that he is frustrated chef because he manages the Pong and Yong Catering Services.

Our Barangay Captain is wholesome and incomparable. He is a star we can hitch our wagon…too!

EXCERPTS OF THE INTERVIEW WITH THE PUNONG BARANGAY OF POBLACION, SAN ESTEBAN, ILOCOS SUR, MARIO VERGARA RACELA ON JULY 16, 2008 AT 5:00 IN THE AFTERNOON

HOLYANNA: Good afternoon, sir!

MVR: Good afternoon, too!

HOLYANNA: Sir, I am Holyanna Acosta, I’m here to interview you with regards to your development projects, plans including all your accomplished projects and programs.

MVR: ok! May I ask who instructed you to interview me?

HOLYANNA: Sir, I am one of the staff members of “the BROOK,” the official publication of our school, San Esteban South Central School. Mr. Edlyn Arranz is adviser.

MVR: I see!

HOLYANNA: Sir, can we start with your plans?

MVR: Well, I have a lot of plans for Barangay Poblacion. I was endorsed by the former Punong Barangay (PB) Juanito E. Vergara, Jr. to continue his good leadership. To enumerate some, first, is the rehabilitation of the barangay roads, second, continue the construction of the pathway at Sitio Namitlatan, lastly, I am looking forward for the improvement of our barangay hall.

HOLYANNA: Good for you sir and for our Barangay… Ok sir, let’s tackle about the rehabilitation of the barangay roads. How can you implement this, sir?

MVR: We passed a resolution requesting help from the Congressional help of Deputy Speaker Eric D. Singson including 100 bags of cement and also truckload of aggregates from District Enginner Ray A. Elaydo.

HOLYANNA: Ok sir, how about the continuation of the pathway at Sitio Namitlatan?

MVR: The remaining bags of cement and aggregates were used in the continuity of the pathway at Sitio Namitlatan.

HOLYANNA: So I guess your plan for the improvement of the Barangay Hall is your greatest plan and would-be-achievement, sir?

MVR: You are right, Yanna! This 2 million worth of planned project would be the greatest so far. Hopefully, the 2-storey Barangay Hall will start not later than the end of this year. This project is an initiative from the Barangay Council of Poblacion and endorsed by the Hon. Mayor Chester A. Elaydo and Hon. Vice Mayor Mildred M. Elaydo.

HOLYANNA: Can you already consider these as your accomplishments, sir?

MVR: So far, so good! Barely eight months on this position but I can already say that these plans are achievements of Barangay Poblacion and its constituents.

HOLYANNA: Parting words, sir?

MVR: Active participation and cooperation from our “kabarangayan” are the most important factors in achieving our goals with flying colors.

HOLYANNA: Thank you, sir and congratulations! It is a great pleasure for me sharing those overwhelming plans of yours.

MVR: You are always welcome, Yanna and thank you, too!